Warner launches press-to-order DVD movie service

Warner Bros is diving into the vaults to offer 150 previously unreleased classic films for download or through a made-to-order DVD service.

The Warner Archive Collection enables film fans in the US to order one-off pressings of vintage era titles, such as Carey Grant’s Mr. Lucky, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Al Capone. The collection will grow by 20 classic films and TV programmes each month. Customers will also be able to vote for which one of four films they'd most like to be added.

The DVDs arrive in a shrink-wrapped, hard plastic case and include custom artwork. Each title can be ordered online for $20 (£13/€15). The same films can be downloaded for $15 (£9/€11).

If you’re really into your pre-Blu Hollywood classics, then it’s also worth noting that Warner Bros has also plans to launch a series of golden era podcasts.

The Golden History of Hollywood podcasts – to be made available free later this month through iTunes – will be a mixture of archival recordings, including behind the scenes interviews with stars of yesteryear and radio editions of films. ®